Quiz: Howstuffworks

Can You Identify the NBA Players Who Hold These Single-Game Records?

Gavin Thagard

Image: Pexels

About This Quiz

It's Jan. 22, 2006, and the Los Angeles Lakers are going up against the Toronto Raptors. You turn on the game in the middle of the fourth quarter and hear the announcer say Kobe Bryant has scored over 70 points. Can he do it? Can the "Black Mamba" break the single-game scoring record? Who even holds the record? Do you know? Find out with this quiz!

There's something special about watching a player go for a record in an NBA game, especially when it's unexpected. Unlike in an NBA season, all of the action happens so quickly, within 48 minutes in fact, so fans don't have to wait weeks or months to see if the record will stand or pass on to a new player as events play out. It's thrilling and is what makes sports so compelling to watch.

How well do you know the players throughout NBA history who sit at the top of these single-game record books? Some of these players were stars in the league, while others hold records that they'd rather get rid of. See if you know who they are!

If you're ready for a challenge, get started and try to have a record-setting performance on this quiz by getting a perfect score!

utsportstv by Youtube

In a game that went into five overtimes, who holds the single-game record for minutes?

Reggie Miller

John Starks

Anthony Mason

Dale Ellis

A sniper from the outside, Dale Ellis shot 40% from three-point range during his career. He even entered and won the Three-Point Contest in 1989.

Wiki Commons By Neon Tommy

Scoring 37 points in the third quarter, which player has the record for most points in a quarter of a game?

Michael Jordan

Kobe Bryant

Klay Thompson

Penny Hardaway

Klay Thompson is the son of Mychal Thompson. Mychal is a former NBA player himself who won two titles with the Lakers in the '80s.

WikiCommons by JoeJohnson2

Which player proved to be unstoppable when he scored a record 100 points in a game?

Wilt Chamberlain

Jerry West

Michael Jordan

Larry Bird

Despite being an all-world athlete, Wilt Chamberlain had a history of heart trouble throughout his life. He died from heart failure in 1999 at the age of 63.

Wiki Commons By Keith Allison

While playing for the Wizards, this player set an overtime record in the regular season by scoring 16 points. Who is he?

John Wall

Gilbert Arenas

Elvin Hayes

Earl Monroe

In 1951, the Indianapolis Olympians and the Rochester Royals played the longest game in NBA history, which lasted 78 minutes. The game required six overtimes for a winner to be announced.

sportstv4 by Youtube

Eventually tied by two other players, which NBA defensive standout originally set the single-game record for blocks in a quarter?

Manute Bol

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Yao Ming

Moses Malone

Manute Bol never averaged more than four points throughout his NBA career. When he retired, Bol had blocked more shots than he scored points.

Wiki Commons By Tim Shelby

A one-time NBA MVP, who set the single-game record for points while also earning a triple-double?

Russell Westbrook

James Harden

Kevin Durant

Oscar Robertson

James Harden led the Houston Rockets to Game 7 of the 2018 Western Conference Finals against a loaded Golden State Warriors' team. The Rockets lost Game 7 after going 7 of 44 from three-point range.

Wiki Commons By Keith Allison

Which of these players was the quickest to reach a triple-double, which he did in less than 15 minutes?

Russell Westbrook

Lebron James

Chris Paul

Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic was part of a Nuggets' team in 2017-18 that came up one game short of making the playoffs. In the season finale​, the Nuggets lost to the Timberwolves, who were also playing for a playoff spot.

Wiki Commons by Unknown

A record he would rather get rid of, who set the single-game record for missed field goals?

Joe Fulks

Steve Kerr

Mark Jackson

Kobe Bryant

Joe Fulks spent his entire NBA career with the Philadelphia Warriors, where he played from 1946 until 1954. At his height, Fulks averaged 26 points per game.

OfficialHoophall By Youtube

Accomplished in 1978, who originally set the record for most field goals made in a quarter?

Wilt Chamberlain

David Thompson

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Elgin Baylor

David Thompson's highest-scoring game came in 1978 when he scored 73 points against the Detroit Pistons. Only five other players have scored over 70 points in a game.

Wiki Commons By Keith Allison

In a horrible outing, which player set a record by shooting 17 field goals in a game without making one?

Russell Westbrook

John Starks

Jrue Holiday

Tim Hardaway

Tim Hardaway attended UTEP while he played college basketball. There, he developed a crossover that became known as the "UTEP Two-step."

Wiki Commons By Keith Allison

Which of these players tied the turnover record for a game in 2000?

Kobe Bryant

Allen Iverson

Jason Kidd

Steve Nash

Jason Kidd finished his career second on the list of all-time assists. In his 19 seasons in the NBA, Kidd racked up 12,091 assists.

Wiki Commons by Unknown

Swatting away 17 balls, who holds the NBA record for blocks in a single game?

Mark Eaton

Elmore Smith

Dennis Rodman

Shaquille O'Neal

Elmore Smith came into the league in 1971 ready to dominate the competition. Earning NBA All-Rookie First Team, Smith averaged over 17 points and 15 rebounds per game in his rookie season.

FOX Sports Indiana by Youtube

Who was the first player to get an NBA record eight steals in a half?

Jerry West

Bob Cousy

Quinn Buckner

John Havlicek

Quinn Buckner was a champion on multiple levels throughout his basketball career. He won championships in high school, college, the NBA, and even won Olympic Gold in 1976.

Wiki Commons By Matthre Addie

A member of the "Splash Brothers," who holds the single-game record for three-pointers made?

Klay Thompson

Stephen Curry

Shaun Livingston

Andre Iguodala

Klay Thompson helped the Golden State Warriors win an NBA championship in 2015. The team lost in the Finals the next seasons to the Cavaliers after taking a 3-1 lead in the series.

Veoshock !! By Youtube

Which player went 5 for 21 from three-point range, missing a record 16 three-pointers​?

Reggie Miller

Ray Allen

Steve Kerr

Damon Stoudamire

Damon Stoudamire played in the league at only 5 ft 10 in. Despite his short stature, Stoudamire had a successful career and was even named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1996.

Veoshock !! By Youtube

Which of these defensive specialists recorded a record 11 steals in a game?

Kendall Gill

Scottie Pippen

Allen Iverson

Kevin Garnett

Kendall Gill led the league in steals in 1999. That season, Gill averaged 2.7 steals per game for the New Jersey Nets.

Wiki Commons By New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer - Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. New York World-

A former Celtics' legend, who set an NBA record of 19 assists in a half?

Paul Pierce

Rajon Rondo​

Bob Cousy

Larry Bird

Bob Cousy won six NBA titles playing for the Boston Celtics. For his accomplishments, the Celtics retired Cousy's number 14.

Wiki Commons By Keith Allison

This player twice set the record for three-pointers made in a game with no misses. Who is he?

Jamal Crawford

Reggie Miller

Stephen Curry

Ben Gordon

Ben Gordon averaged 40% from three-point range throughout his NBA career. At his height, Gordon also averaged over 21 points per game.

Wiki Commons By Keith Allison

Who set an NBA record by hitting 10 consecutive three-pointers to start a game?

Kyle Korver

Ty Lawson

Damian Lillard

James Harden

Ty Lawson won an NCAA championship in 2009 playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Lawson was coached by Roy Williams, the long-time Tar Heels coach.

Wiki Commons By Keith Allison

Playing the center position, which of these players shot 12 three-point shots in a game without making a single one?

Karl-Anthony Towns

Anthony Davis

Joel Embiid

Brook Lopez

Standing 7 ft tall, Brook Lopez entered the league in 2008. He played at Stanford in college alongside his brother Robin Lopez, who also declared for the 2008 NBA draft.

Wiki Commons By Noah Salzman

In 2009, this player tied the record of 14 assists in a quarter. Who is he?

Steve Blake

Jason Kidd

John Stockton

Rajon Rando

Steve Blake played point guard for 13 seasons in the NBA. A journeyman, Blake played for eight different teams throughout his NBA career.

Sacramento Kings by Youtube

While playing for the Denver Nuggets, this player stole eight balls in a quarter. Who is he?

Carmelo Anthony

Fat Lever

Allen Iverson

David Thompson

Fat Lever had 43 triple-doubles in the regular season throughout his NBA career. That puts him at eighth on the list of all-time triple-doubles.

FOXSportsFlorida FOXSportsSun by Youtube

The NBA's most improved player in 1991, who set the single-game record for assists?

J.J. Reddick

Frank Vogel

Scott Skiles

Nate McMillan

Scott Skiles went into coaching after he left the NBA in 1996. Skiles has served as the head coach for such franchises as Chicago, Phoenix and Orlando.

Wiki Commons By Norma Gonzalez

Going 10 for 11, who set the single-game record for three-pointers made in a half in 2014?

Damian Lillard

Stephen Curry

Chandler Parsons

Ray Allen

After some stellar seasons in the NBA, Chandler Parsons' career has been hampered by injuries. Those injuries have certainly been a reason that the small forward has played for three different teams.

NSIWorld By Youtube

A record originally set by Wilt Chamberlain, who tied the single-game record for free throws made during a regular season game?

Dirk Nowitzki

Adrian Dantley

Vince Carter

Kyle Korver

Adrian Dantley was the NBA scoring champion in 1981 and 1984. Both seasons, he averaged over 30 points per game.

Wiki Commons By ChrisRaptis

Which former star made 23 straight free throws in a game without missing one?

Dominique Wilkins

Michael Jordan

Tim Duncan

Kobe Bryant

Known for his dunking ability, Dominique Wilkins was called "The Human Highlight Reel." He was named the NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner twice, in 1985 and 1990.

Wiki Commons via Fred Palumbo, World Telegram staff photographer

A giant among men, who grabbed 55 rebounds in a single game?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Charles Barkley

Karl Malone

Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt Chamberlain wore number 13 throughout his college and NBA career. His number was retired by the University of Kansas, the Warriors, the 76ers and the Lakers.

Wiki Commons By Cpl. Lameen Witter derivative work

A three-time NBA MVP, which player holds the single-game record for offensive rebounds in a game?

Moses Malone

Charles Barkley

Hakeem Olajuwon

Elgin Baylor

Moses Malone won a single NBA title in 1983 while playing for the 76ers. Moses was a star on the team that also featured Julius Erving, better known as "Dr. J."

Wiki Commons By Gallery 2 Images

Known as the "Round Mound of Rebound," who holds the single-game record for offensive rebounds in a half?

Karl Malone

Charles Barkley

Shaquille O'Neal

David Robinson

Charles Barkley was drafted out of Auburn with the fifth pick in the 1984 NBA draft. Other star players in the draft included Hakeem Olajuwon and Michael Jordan.

Wiki Commons By Game Face - Flickr: Derozan

In 2016, this player set a record by making 24 consecutive free throws in a game. Who is he?

James Harden

Russell Westbrook

DeMar DeRozan

Chris Paul

In 2018, DeMar DeRozan was traded from the Raptors to the Spurs for Kawhi Leonard. The move was a surprise for many in Toronto, who saw DeRozan as the franchise player.

Wiki Commons By Keith Allison

This player isn't proud to have the record for most free throws in a game without making one. Who is he?

Yao Ming

Dwight Howard

Charles Barkley

Shaquille O'Neal

NBA coaches developed a strategy to foul Shaquille O'Neal instead of allowing him to get the basketball in the post. The strategy became known as "Hack-a-Shaq."

Wiki Commons By Keith Allison

This player shot a record 39 free throws in a game twice during his career. Who is he?

James Harden

Dwight Howard

Kobe Bryant

Wilt Chamberlain

While playing for U.S. basketball, Dwight Howard won a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics. He was part of a team that defeated Spain in the finals.

Wiki Commons by Unknown

An 11-time NBA champion, who holds the record for most rebounds in a half?

Bill Russell

Hakeem Olajuwon

Elgin Baylor

Shaquille O'Neal

Bill Russell served as a player-coach​ his last few seasons in the NBA. With his hiring, he became the first African American coach in the NBA.

Wiki Commons By Malcolm W. Emmons

The NBA's all-time leading scorer also set the single-game record for defensive rebounds in a game. Who is he?

Kobe Bryant

Karl Malone

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Michael Jordan

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won six NBA MVPs over the course of his NBA career. That's one more than the next closest players, Michael Jordan and Bill Russell, who both have five.

Wiki Commons By TonyTheTiger

As a rookie, this player took a record 24 free throws in a quarter. Who is he?

Devin Booker

Jayson Tatum

Donovan Mitchell

Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2018. He beat out Donovan Mitchell who many thought should have won.

Wiki Commons By New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer - Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. New York World-

During the 1965 regular season, this player had 18 rebounds in a quarter. Who is he?

Oscar Robertson

Elgin Baylor

John Havlicek

Nate Thurmond

Nate Thurmond played in seven NBA All-Star Games throughout his 14-year career. He was named to the NBA Hall of Fame in 1985.

Wiki Commons By Keith Allison

This player missed a record 23 free throws after taking 36 in a game. Who is he?

Andre Drummond

Reggie Jackson

Karl-Anthony Towns

Joel Embiid

Andre Drummond led the NBA in rebounding twice in his career. Over the course of the 2017-18 season, Drummond averaged 16 rebounds per game.

LamarMatic by Youtube

A two-time NBA champion as a coach, who is tied for the single-game record for offensive rebounds in a quarter?

Hakeem Olajuwon

Larry Smith

Dennis Rodman

Patrick Ewing

Larry Smith never won an NBA title as a player during his 13-year career. However, he did win two titles as an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995. That team was led by Hakeem Olajuwon.

LamarMatic by Youtube

An NBA forward during the '60s and '70s, which player holds the record for defensive rebounds in a quarter?

Elgin Baylor

Bill Walton

Happy Hairston

Rick Barry

Happy Hairston helped the Los Angeles Lakers win an NBA championship in 1972. That Lakers' team won an NBA record 33 games in a row.

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